State of Florida
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT- ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER - 21003289
State of Florida, Starke, Florida, United States, 32091
PUBLIC DEFENDER'S OFFICE, 8TH CIRCUIT – ASSISTANT PUBLIC DEFENDER
Requisition No: 867832
Agency: Justice Administrative Commission
Position Number: 21003289
Salary: $65,000.00 +
Posting Closing Date: 01/31/2026
Opening Date: Immediate; Closing Date: Until filled
The Law Office of Stacy A. Scott, 8th Circuit Public Defender, is seeking both entry‑level and experienced attorneys for the position of Assistant Public Defender. Stacy A. Scott is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide excellent legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
Her office employs nearly 40 lawyers plus investigators, a full‑time social worker, and other legal support staff to assist with more than 15,000 cases handled each year in the six counties that make up the 8th Circuit.
This position would be in Gainesville, Bronson, or Starke, FL.
Position Type Full time, Assistant Public Defender position
Job Description Assistant Public Defenders provide highly effective and professional representation to our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Zealously advocating for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and jury trials;
Preparing each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources;
Managing a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients;
Advising and counseling clients to achieve the best result possible in their case;
Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with clients and the legal community;
Utilizing innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Requirements/Qualifications
Applicants must be in good standing with the Florida Bar;
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
Good technology skills;
Professional demeanor and a desire for excellence in the practice of law;
Bilingual skills: English/Spanish helpful but not required;
Jury trial experience preferred;
Participation in a law school trial advocacy course or litigation skills program preferred;
Dedication to serving clients and providing the best possible legal representation;
Valid Florida Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance, reliable vehicle or alternate means of reliable, self-transportation as job-related travel is required.
How to Apply Complete a State of Florida Employment Application at
https://publicdefender.alachuacounty.us/employment.html
and submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample, all in PDF format, to
application@pdo8.org . Please include information in your cover letter to support your qualifications for this position.
Salary and benefits: Salary commensurate with experience, with a starting minimum of $65,000 for members of the Florida Bar. The position includes an excellent benefits package.
For retirees of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1‑844‑377‑1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re‑employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
Veterans are encouraged to apply.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735).
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at State of Florida by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Agency: Justice Administrative Commission
Position Number: 21003289
Salary: $65,000.00 +
Posting Closing Date: 01/31/2026
Opening Date: Immediate; Closing Date: Until filled
The Law Office of Stacy A. Scott, 8th Circuit Public Defender, is seeking both entry‑level and experienced attorneys for the position of Assistant Public Defender. Stacy A. Scott is an elected official who has a constitutional duty to provide excellent legal representation to people charged with criminal offenses who cannot afford to hire an attorney.
Her office employs nearly 40 lawyers plus investigators, a full‑time social worker, and other legal support staff to assist with more than 15,000 cases handled each year in the six counties that make up the 8th Circuit.
This position would be in Gainesville, Bronson, or Starke, FL.
Position Type Full time, Assistant Public Defender position
Job Description Assistant Public Defenders provide highly effective and professional representation to our clients. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Zealously advocating for each client through critical analysis of cases, motion practice, and jury trials;
Preparing each case efficiently and effectively utilizing office and community resources;
Managing a high volume caseload while maintaining adequate levels of communication and attention to individual clients;
Advising and counseling clients to achieve the best result possible in their case;
Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with clients and the legal community;
Utilizing innovative, holistic defense strategies to achieve the best outcome for clients.
Requirements/Qualifications
Applicants must be in good standing with the Florida Bar;
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
Good technology skills;
Professional demeanor and a desire for excellence in the practice of law;
Bilingual skills: English/Spanish helpful but not required;
Jury trial experience preferred;
Participation in a law school trial advocacy course or litigation skills program preferred;
Dedication to serving clients and providing the best possible legal representation;
Valid Florida Driver’s License, proof of automobile insurance, reliable vehicle or alternate means of reliable, self-transportation as job-related travel is required.
How to Apply Complete a State of Florida Employment Application at
https://publicdefender.alachuacounty.us/employment.html
and submit your resume, cover letter and writing sample, all in PDF format, to
application@pdo8.org . Please include information in your cover letter to support your qualifications for this position.
Salary and benefits: Salary commensurate with experience, with a starting minimum of $65,000 for members of the Florida Bar. The position includes an excellent benefits package.
For retirees of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS at 1‑844‑377‑1888 on how your current benefits may be affected if you are re‑employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.
Veterans are encouraged to apply.
The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1‑866‑663‑4735).
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at State of Florida by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr